Is Twitter a viable source for contacting journalists?
I want to get the word out about my new gallery but aren't sure how to start making media connections. Is Twitter a viable source for contacting journalists?
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Sep 17, 2014
Technically yes but it can be challenging. You can also find email addresses on most websites including Journalism sites.
Sep 9, 2014
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Aug 28, 2014
Twitter by far is the best way of contacting journalists, but the best way of contacting journalists is to get their interest end of the fishing line by tenting them
The best thing you can do with your product is to have a really good press release online on your website and email, Twitter, and Facebook the link to this to relevant parties, or even better use hashtags and search systems/SEO
Aug 24, 2014
I agree with Jessica's answer. I think email is preferable, as you aren't worried about condensing your message into 140 character installments. Also, depending on how busy the journalist is, or how often they check tweets they receive from individuals they aren't following, they may not get back to you quick enough, if ever.
Aug 23, 2014
Also, many reporters put their email on their Twitter profile so it is an opening for an email pitch.
Aug 20, 2014
You can also try helpareporter.net or HARO! This is a good way to get in contact with journalists.
Aug 20, 2014
Along with other answers, the easiest and best way is to simply locate the staff listing for any publication online. Most journalists' email addresses are listed, and you can send a much more professional message that way rather than within the word count confines of a Tweet. Sending a Tweet will also appear amateurish or perhaps like something sent by a fan or follower. In your email, include any credentials you have and/or the complete story you hope to have covered.
Aug 19, 2014
I agree with many fellow posters that Twitter is an extremely viable way to contact and stay in touch with journalists. However, it is not a quick fix and requires patience and persistence.
The best way to develop a meaningful relationship with a journalist on Twitter is by following them, commenting on posts, retweeting and gradually building a relationship with them. Once you've done that, you can reach out to them regarding a particular story.
If you need something quicker, then I suggest direct contact either via telephone or email (a combination of both usually works for me). Good luck!
Aug 19, 2014
Yes Twitter is best place but you should write140 golden words to promote your work ,with very low cost i will give you excellent result
Aug 18, 2014
I say YES. Active journalist will always respond to your inquiry. Or else search using #tag and try to contact them through the link source.
Aug 18, 2014
Contact media on any platform they're using. This link of media outlets using Twitter should definitely help. Let me know what you think! http://twitteringjournalists.pbworks.com/w/page/22555132/Media%20Outlets%20Using%20Twitter
Aug 18, 2014
Absolutely Zoe! Twitter is definitely one way to contact / pitch journalists - if done correctly, in the right context.
I successfully pitched this story for my client into Forbes directly via Twitter: http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2011/11/21/australia-could-be-a-geothermal-powerhouse/
Happy to answer any questions in more detail if you wish to email me simon (at) newmediaevangelist (dot) com.
Cheers,
Simon
Aug 18, 2014
So much good advice and I really agree with Chantal.
We use social media to contact journalists when we have a press release or information available online that we can link to. The is to write a compelling headline to get them to click through for more information. We prefer online press rooms where we include accompanying video, photos/graphics and contact information You can also ask them to Please RT to share with their followers, a lot of which are readers/listeners/viewers. And ALWAYS be sure to say Thank You and give a shout out to them to all of your followers and for their's to see.
You can also try posting it on # or @MyStorySource a free Twitter pitch feed.
Aug 18, 2014
If a journalist is active on Twitter, we've found them pretty responsive in answering questions. I'd encourage a more traditional approach, it sounds like you need more of a PR plan. Hard to be engaging in 140 chars, unless you're making an offer or some other incentive.
Aug 18, 2014
Twitter is a great way to contact journalists, if done in the right way. I suggest researching the journalists you want to contact before reaching out. Follow them on Twitter to see what they are tweeting, look up previous articles and their contact information. Then comment and retweet some of their posts, this will get you noticed and lets them see you are interested in their work. Reach out to them via email and mention some of the posts you have seen before going into your pitch. I know some journalists love tweets directed to them while others prefer emails.
Aug 18, 2014
If you have someone's handle, Twitter is always viable. You can DM them. But, you'd better compose a compelling, personal note, or you may peeve them. Your best bet is to come up with some good hashtags and facts about the gallery and tweet them with a url leading to your site. For the local journalists, do something clever, like send an invite for Friday gallery stroll with a promise of original art gift if they show up. Don't be generic. Get specific so they have an idea of the gallery style without asking.
Aug 18, 2014
Hi Zoe, Yes, Twitter is absolutely a viable way to connect with journalists. The best way to do it is to start following them for a while, seeing what they tweet about, and then offering them news or information that may be useful to them. That way, they begin to see you as an expert source in your field that they may be able to rely upon.
Aug 18, 2014
As a journalist and content writing professional, I would prefer to be contacted via email. The 140 characters offered by twitter would be of better use as a eye-catching subject line followed by a detailed email query/press release.
Aug 18, 2014
Do you or your gallery have a Twitter following? I think it would work best if these reporters were following you. But if this is more of a shot in the dark play, I don't see the harm. Also, do you have a set of writers in the art community in your area that you read? Search for their contact info through their publication and reach out more directly with a phone call. Invite them to either a personal tour or a special media event. Digital relationships are great, but bigger business deals still happen face to face. Good luck!